1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (370 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 184 kg more than 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (510 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V8 Vantage | S |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 70 L |
